PULSAR is made with a full bead-blasted and anodised high-grade aluminium chassis in your choice of Silver or Black, that is both elegant and classic - yet the best is still reserved for what’s inside.
⦿ Digital Output Module, offering high-performance implementation to maximise your output of choice, with options of PhoenixUSB Lite or i2s.
⦿ 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer
⦿ Single-level Cell SSD with Custom CX Regulator Module
⦿ Three independent power rails, one each for the Main Board, SSD and Reclocker
⦿ PULSAR available with I²S output board option
BENEATH THE SHELL
Beneath its sleek exterior, the PULSAR is packing a custom ARC6 module (Active Rectification with six Capacitors) with active rectification, over 130000 µF of Mundorf capacitors followed by a large inductor and a massive 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer with an epoxy-filled center for dampening vibration, and magnetic screening with coated SYN-SHIELD copper tape between windings and wrapped in black Mylar Tape.
PULSAR features an optimized USB output to take sound quality to the PULSE line’s highest level by incorporating a PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker. The reclocker is powered by a custom CX Regulator Module.
The SSD hosting the Sense Operating System in PULSAR is also upgraded to a SLC (Single-Level Cell) module, as opposed to the more common TLC (Triple-Level Cell) for the best durability and lower operating power noise.
Asymmetrical feet are installed on PULSAR to support the player while also being strategically placed to help dampen vibration from the sound system during playback. It's the little details like this, combined with larger ones like the power supply and integrated PhoenixUSB Lite reclocker that make for unforgettable playback.
PULSAR comes in your choice of Silver or Black, but the finish of the chassis and fascia in either color is breathtakingly beautiful.
MODULAR DESIGN WITH I²S OUTPUT BOARD OPTION
The PULSAR has a modular output design which allows for a change of the output board at a later stage, and it was first developed offering a USB output based on PhoenixUSB Lite board.
We have taken our expertise in the digital area one step further, making the product also compatible with DACs through I²S protocol via an HDMI Connector, allowing more direct communication with the DAC, as it replaces the USB to I²S conversion from the DAC side. Innuos will offer 8 possible I²S configurations, which can be easily done by the user for a broader DAC compatibility.
The new I²S output board uses ultra-precise latest-generation FemtoClock audio clocks. A high-precision 3ppb OCXO clock (as used in the PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker board) is used to clock both the USB communication and seed to the FemtoClock PLL. The OCXO clock board is powered by the PULSAR ARC6/CX Regulation stage for precision and stability.
BEST IN CLASS STREAMING
Whether you're streaming from an existing music server, NAS or streaming service, PULSAR will deliver you a large, deep soundstage with incredible instrument separation and true-to-life sound textures that bring emotion to your listening experience.
EUR €6 399
GBP £5 799
USD $7 999
CAD $10 499
PULSAR available with I²S output board option
EUR €0 000
GBP £0 000
USD $0 000
CAD $00 000
Controlled via Innuos Sense App
Sense delivers optimal music playback with the following features:
PULSAR
FLEXIBILITY
Each PULSAR series Network Music Player has two modes – these modes give you the flexibility to configure your network music player to work the way you want it to. Your music, played your way.
In Standalone mode, you can use the Innuos Sense app to play streaming services, Internet Radio and music stored on a NAS, to a multitude of audio systems. In this mode, the PULSAR becomes the center of your audio system, enabling you also to use the Sense app with other streaming devices on your network.
In Endpoint Mode, PULSAR connects to a main music server, be it an Innuos Music Server, HQ Player or any server running Logitech Media Server. The PULSAR will then show as a zone on the respective music server app and you can use your preferred app to browse and play music through the PULSAR.
Integrated USB Reclocker
The USB reclocker on PULSAR is a lite version of our legendary PhoenixUSB reclocker. PULSAR’s reclocker uses a single rail of LPSU to power both clock and USB chip instead of a separate rail for each that the PhoenixUSB uses, yet greatly improves timing consistency and what you hear.
The PULSAR reclocker is also modular so in the future there may be upgrades or different options made available.
Convenient Design
With its compact footprint, low-power efficiency, quiet operation and range of connectivity, the PULSAR is a convenient and discreet music streamer for all your music from an Innuos music server, HiFi streaming services and internet radio.
Power Isolation
PULSAR is more than a step up for better music playback – it stands head and shoulders above using a computer for streaming.
One of the ways PULSAR excels is through power isolation. PULSAR has three independent power rails: one for the main board, one for the Reclocker, and one for the SSD. This isolation makes for cleaner power to each component and helps reveal blacker backgrounds, more detail and dimension.
Connectivity Made Easy
PULSAR outputs PCM up to 32bit/768kHz as well as up to DSD512 via USB to compatible DACs.
The Sum of its Parts
PULSAR infuses musicality and ease-of-use in a player that not only streams your music, it reveals it.
The combination of high-quality components and custom engineering, with the Sense Operating System and Sense app to drive it all makes for remarkable-sounding music streaming that simply can’t be unheard.
PULSAR leverages more than a decade of engineering, advancements in software and premium-quality component selection to achieve its detailed sound.
I²S output board option
PULSAR is also available with I²S output board option. We took the expertise we are known for in terms of reclocking and optimized power supply design and applied it to the next stage in the digital audio chain, which is the USB to I²S conversion. This allows more choice in selecting the best-sounding input from different DACs.
Our PhoenixI²S is a digital to digital converter board compatible with PULSAR allowing to connect to DACs via the I²S Protocol using a HDMI connector. The PhoenixI²S board essentially replaces the USB input on a DAC.
This board uses ultra-precise latest-generation FemtoClock audio clocks. A high-precision 3ppb OCXO clock (as used in the PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker board) is used to clock both the USB communication and seed to the FemtoClock PLL. The OCXO clock board is powered by the PULSAR ARC6/CX Regulation stage for precision and stability.
Specifications
AUDIO OUTPUTS
| Digital Output | USB DAC output with PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker (Up to 32bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD).
PhoenixI²S digital to digital converter board allowing to connect to DACs via I²S Protocol using a HDMI connector
|
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | 2 x rear panel RJ45 – Bridged Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | 4x USB 3.0 |
FORMATS
| Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playing | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA |
ENDPOINT MODE
| Endpoint Mode | Connects to Innuos Music Servers, Logitech Media Server based Servers or HQPlayer Server |
USER CONTROL INTERFACES
| Web Interface | Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows and Mac OS |
| Mobile | Innuos Sense App (iOS/Android/Kindle Fire) |
HARDWARE
| CPU | Intel Quad Core N4200 |
| Memory | 8GB DDR3 Low-Voltage RAM (4GB Dedicated for RAM Playback) |
STREAMING AND DAC SUPPORT
| UPnP/DLNA | Controls selected UPnP streamers as endpoints via Sense | |||
| Streaming Services | Internet Radio, Qobuz, HighResAudio, Deezer, Radio Paradise, Tidal | |||
| USB DAC Support | USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2 | |||
| USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol | ||||
| Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD | ||||
| I²S DAC Support |
|
REQUIREMENTS
| Network | Internet connection to access Internet Radio, Streaming Services and software updates |
| Network router with at least one available ethernet port | |
| Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and TIDAL |
POWER
| Mains Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 7W |
| Power Consumption (Peak)
Standalone mode |
13.7W |
PHYSICAL
| Dimensions | 420mm x 290mm x 76mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 10,17 kg (11,5 kg boxed) |
| In the box | Innuos PULSAR Network Player |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide |
News, Reviews and Awards
Innuos Pulsar Network Streamer
``What the Innuos PULSAR does, perhaps better than any other digital audio product I’ve used, is provide a quiet–dare I say silent–platform for the music”.
Marc Phillips, Part-Time Audiophile
Innuos Pulsar: star quality
``The Pulsar is a vivacious and thrilling streamer with all manner of music...The finest dedicated streamer in the Innuos catalogue is a high resolution device that’s capable of superb results with the right ancillaries, it sounds excellent with a good recording on Qobuz and even better with the same thing on a music server. Add in the quality of the Sense control app and you have a strong contender at a reasonable price.``
Jason Kennedy, The Ear
Online Resources
Already have a PULSE? Congratulations. If you're having troubles with configurations or don't know where to start, we have a support area with online resources to help you out.
Hear For Yourself
Want to hear a PULSE before making a decision? Visit an Innuos Authorized Dealer to arrange a demonstration today. You can find one near you on our dealer locator.
Got ideas? Tell us about them!
At Innuos we love to listen - to music, and to you. If you've got an idea about how to improve our products, we invite you to visit our Feedback Zone. There you'll find other suggestions or you can submit your own.
FAQs
What does the ARC6 Module do?
The ARC6 is the part of the power supply that converts AC mains power to DC. It uses an Active Rectification board to convert AC to DC instead of passive Schottky diodes used in the RECAP2 module on the PULSE. Aside from being far more efficient and causing less heat and ripple, it has the advantage of lower the impedance of the power supply, which has an audible effect on sound quality. In order to support this lower impedance, it needs a larger capacitor bank using 6 Mundorf Capacitors. Hence the name ARC6 (Active Rectification with 6 Capacitors). The PULSAR uses a trickle-down version of the ARC6 modules on the STATEMENT with Next-Gen power supply.
Why are there two RJ45 sockets?
The second port is present on all PULSE series streamers and can be used to connect another network-based device as the port is bridged with the main LAN port. This is useful if you use a NAS for example, where instead of running two cables from the router, you can run a single cable to the PULSAR and then a smaller cable from the PULSAR to the NAS.
How does PULSAR differ from PULSE and PULSEmini?
- Compared to the PULSE, the PULSAR has a much improved power supply: 300VA toroidal, compared to 120VA on PULSE. PULSAR’s active rectification module has a 3x larger capacitor bank, much larger inductor and two regulator modules providing separate rails to the SSD and to the Digital Output Module.
- PULSAR uses a PhoenixUSB Lite Digital Output Module which is much improved over the USB output on the PULSE.
- PULSAR also uses an SLC-type SSD where each storage cell contains a single bit compared to a TLC on PULSE and PULSEmini where each cell stores 3 bits – this means the access mechanism is more complicated resulting in higher latency and power noise.
- PULSAR’s optimised USB output module can be replaced with different types of outputs in the future, such as dual AES or I²S.
- Finally, the chassis on the PULSAR is all around high-precision CNC machined aluminium, bead-blasted and anodised.
- All of these details add up to produce peak streaming music enjoyment in its class.
What does the Backup function do since PULSAR doesn't have a storage drive?
Backup backs up your Music Library Database. Each streamer in the PULSE series lets you build your library from streamed content from multiple sources. Over time, you could have a large, well-managed library. If for any reason your database or device develops a problem, the Backup function will let you restore your library to the condition it was in at the last backup.
Can I attach a USB drive with a library on it to the USB ports?
Yes, it is possible to connect a USB drive containing music files and play these through Sense app. This is designed as a more temporary solution, such as having a friend come to listen to your system and they have brought some of their music with them.
Due to many performance restrictions, leaving a USB drive permanently connected to be used as a constant library source is not viable. Not only would the USB drive negatively impact sound quality due to inserting noise directly onto the USB subsystem, but there is also an impact on the UX where rescanning and editing albums would be much slower and subject to issues and risks if you don’t unmount drives properly.
Therefore, files stored on an external USB drive will not have the same library integration, playlist construction, or data editing facilities that you would gain from having the files stored on a NAS drive, or better yet within one of our Music Servers.
What is the I²S output board option?
We are making the PULSAR also compatible with DACs through I²S protocol via an HDMI Connector, allowing more direct communication with the DAC, as it replaces the USB to I²S conversion from the DAC side. Innuos will offer 8 possible I²S configurations, which can be easily done by the user for a broader DAC compatibility.